Will they upgrade the rotation?

Will they upgrade the rotation?

Joe Robbins / Getty Images

This, one again, speaks to financial commitment. The Orioles would like to add a top-of-the-rotation starter -- frankly, most teams need one -- but there really aren't many options available in free agency. Matt Garza, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez are probably the best, but they all likely will command a four-year deal or longer. The Orioles never have given a free-agent pitcher a contract beyond three years. And it's hard to believe they will change that philosophy this year. That said, there are free agents who could fit. Right-hander Bronson Arroyo (pictured) is 36 and probably will land a three-year deal. His consistency and durability would be welcomed on almost any staff. Some other intriguing possibilities include Annapolis native Gavin Floyd, who is recovering from season-ending elbow surgery, and A.J. Burnett, the Monkton resident who posted a 3.30 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year but, at age 36, is now considering retirement.

This, one again, speaks to financial commitment. The Orioles would like to add a top-of-the-rotation starter -- frankly, most teams need one -- but there really aren't many options available in free agency. Matt Garza, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez are probably the best, but they all likely will command a four-year deal or longer. The Orioles never have given a free-agent pitcher a contract beyond three years. And it's hard to believe they will change that philosophy this year. That said, there are free agents who could fit. Right-hander Bronson Arroyo (pictured) is 36 and probably will land a three-year deal. His consistency and durability would be welcomed on almost any staff. Some other intriguing possibilities include Annapolis native Gavin Floyd, who is recovering from season-ending elbow surgery, and A.J. Burnett, the Monkton resident who posted a 3.30 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year but, at age 36, is now considering retirement. (Joe Robbins / Getty Images)

This, one again, speaks to financial commitment. The Orioles would like to add a top-of-the-rotation starter -- frankly, most teams need one -- but there really aren't many options available in free agency. Matt Garza, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez are probably the best, but they all likely will command a four-year deal or longer. The Orioles never have given a free-agent pitcher a contract beyond three years. And it's hard to believe they will change that philosophy this year. That said, there are free agents who could fit. Right-hander Bronson Arroyo (pictured) is 36 and probably will land a three-year deal. His consistency and durability would be welcomed on almost any staff. Some other intriguing possibilities include Annapolis native Gavin Floyd, who is recovering from season-ending elbow surgery, and A.J. Burnett, the Monkton resident who posted a 3.30 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year but, at age 36, is now considering retirement.